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Community Engaged Learning / Cardinal Courses

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Enroll in courses that apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems

Work with renowned faculty across disciplines through Cardinal Courses (Community Engaged Learning courses) that address complex social and environmental issues. Choose from more than 150 innovative classes that integrate rigorous coursework with real-world service experience. Though projects and partnerships vary, all Cardinal Courses:

  • Engage with a community to address a social problem or societal need
  • Integrate course objectives and community-based experiences
  • Produce reciprocal benefits for students, faculty, and community partners
  • Provide opportunities to critically examine public issues
  • Embody Stanford's Principles of Ethical and Effective Service

Cardinal Courses may feature service as an integral component of the academic course experience, focus on public service as subject matter, or offer preparation for public service internships or fieldwork. Other courses allow students already engaged in service to enhance the effectiveness of their work.

Who we are and what we do

Cardinal Courses are a partnership between the Haas Center for Public Service, the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, and the schools of Engineering, Earth Energy and Environmental Sciences, and Humanities and Sciences.

The Directors of Community Engaged Learning work with faculty, students, and community partners to expand community engaged learning opportunities for undergraduate students. We can work with you to find a class suited to your interests, to teach a class that complements your existing teaching and research, or to partner with your organization to address a social or environmental issue.

Video: Stanford's Cardinal Courses Integrate Rigorous Coursework with Social Impact